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Whoopee Days theme announced, dates set for June 16-19

The 106th annual Brighton Whoopee Days is fast approaching. The celebration theme for 2016 is "Brighton Back In Time" to help showcase the history and people of Brighton and Whoopee Days.

Whoopee Days set for June 16-19 will feature many of the community members' favorite events including the Bill Riley Talent Search on Thursday, the annual parade and mud run on Saturday, and the community church service Sunday morning.

New events also are in the works including a performance by a former American Idol contestant and Iowa native, a hypnotist and a mechanical bull.

​A full schedule of events and the 2016 Grand Marshall will be announced in the coming days.

Chamber plans Soup-er Sunday fundraiser Feb. 28

The Brighton Chamber is hosting a Soup-er Sunday meal from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28. Everyone is invited to enjoy soups, sandwiches, relishes and desserts and support the Brighton Chamber.

Those attending also will be able to offer suggestions for the Brighton Whoopee Days Theme and Grand Marshal. A free will offering will help support Brighton Chamber activities and Whoopee Days. Whoopee Days will be June 16 – 19, 2016, in downtown Brighton.

Nashville recording artist Jake McVey coming to Whoopee Days

Whoopee Days just got a whole lot more fun!! Nashville recording artist and Iowa native Jake McVey will be performing Friday, June 19, as part of the 105th Whoopee Days Celebration in Brighton. "We are very excited that an artist of Jake McVey's caliber is coming to town to help us celebrate," said Brighton Chamber President Nancy Adrian. "Jake has traveled all over the country performing with some of the biggest names in country music and he was kind enough to add Whoopee Days to his busy schedule."McVey, who has opened for acts including Dierks Bentley, Sugarland, Keith Anderson, Jason Aldean and Little Big Town, will take the stage at 9 p.m. for the Whoopee Days Block Party in City Park. To learn more about Jake McVey visit his web site at www.jakemcvey.com.

Chamber selling 'Aloha Brighton' shirts

Whoopee Days is fast approaching so don't forget to get the official shirt of the 105th annual celebration.

The light blue shirt features the "ALOHA BRIGHTON" theme as Whoopee Days has gone Hawaiian.

Whoopee Days t-shirts are available in adult sizes from small to 3XL. New for 2015,

Cost is $15 per shirt. Purchase Whoopee Days t-shirts from Federation Bank or any Brighton Chamber Member. Want to see them before you buy them? They will be on display at Cobbs, BJs Stop Off, Brighton City Hall, CaManders, Brighton Locker, and Sweet Blessings.

Theme announced for 2015 Whoopee Days

Get out the Hawaiian shirts and dust of the grass skirts because Brighton is going Hawaiian for the 105th annual Whoopee Days celebration. The winning theme for 2015 was announced as "ALOHA BRIGHTON!" The theme was selected after Chamber members accepted submissions for ideas and conducting a vote. The winning theme will be used in promotions, t-shirt design, events and the parade. Final touches are being put on Whoopee Days events including the schedule of events. Chamber members are seeking sponsors to help fund the annual community celebration and volunteers to help run events. To help contact Chamber President Nancy Adrian and nancy@brightoniowachamber.com.

Illusionist Eric Michaels to perform June 19

Photo courtesy Eric Michaels

Illusionist Eric Michaels will be bringing his family-friendly entertainment to the 105th Annual Whoopee Days.Michaels has traveled across the country and performed for thousands during his professional career as an magician and will be performing live on June 19 as part of the Brighton Whoopee Days festivities.From tricks featuring doves to large stage illusions, Michaels has tricks that will amaze all ages. The event, which begins at 7 p.m., is free and open to all. Those attending are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. To learn more about Michaels and his show visit www.ericmichaelsmagic.com.

Chamber seeking sponsorships for Whoopee Days

The Brighton Chamber members are looking for businesses and individuals who would like to help keep a tradition alive in the community of Brighton. For 105 years Whoopee Days has been a fun, family-friendly event with free activities and entertainment for all ages. To ensure the tradition of Whoopee Days is kept the Chamber needs your support. If interested in being a sponsor or making a donation contact Nancy at nancy@brightoniowachamber.com.

Whoopee Days set for 2015

For those planning their annual pilgrimage to Brighton or need to clear their schedule for the city's annual Whoopee Days be sure to mark the calendar for Thursday, June 18, to Sunday, June 21.

The event will celebrate its 105th anniversary with some annual favorites including a carnival, mud run, parade and talent show along with many new events aimed at entertaining all ages and adding excitement to the century's old celebration. Check back often to the web site and the Chamber's facebook page for updates and on ways you can get involved!!

Ding Darling Highway Paves the way to Lake Darling

Travelers on Highway 78 in southern Iowa will notice new Ding Darling Highway signs leading the way to the renovated Lake Darling State Park, located in Washington County just three miles west of Brighton.These signs almost complete the year long project of naming the Ding Darling Highway. “We are so excited to see these signs in place recognizing the importance of “Ding” Darling to our local area, state and the nation,” said Rose Jaynes, member of the Brighton Chamber. “There are many young people and adults alike who don’t realize Lake Darling was named after a real person and what his impact was on conservation and the environment,” Jaynes added.

The project began, like many do, as a seed planted in the minds of a few people. Nearly a year ago Gary Schnepf, Executive Director of Keep Iowa Beautiful, visited with several members of the Brighton Chamber during the Red Flag Horseless Carriage Tour when it visited Brighton. “We were talking about the impact the reopening of Lake Darling could have on the local area,” said Rosemary Pacha, Brighton Chamber member. “Mr. Schnepf said we need to think big and why not try to get the highway renamed leading the way to Lake Darling,” Pacha said.

The Brighton Chamber discussed it and the project took shape. After several meetings with an Iowa Department of Transportation representative and an approved application, the legwork continued. In cooperation with the City of Brighton, the Chamber wrote a successful mini grant to the Washington County Riverboat Foundation to pay for the Ding Darling Highway signage.

Ding Darling Highway weaves through seven city municipalities and four counties. “It is an interesting process when you take on a project like this,” said Jaynes. “We had to get resolutions from each city and county, but everyone we worked with was great,” she added.

Jay Norwood ‘Ding’ Darling was a cartoonist who won two Pulitzer Prizes for Editorial Cartooning. He was an important figure in the conservation movement and initiated the Federal Duck Stamp Program. He was instrumental in founding the National Wildlife Federation in 1936. Ding Darling was present at the original dedication of Lake Darling on Sept. 17, 1950.

A rededication of Lake Darling State Park will be at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 17, at the large pavilion by the boat dock area. Follow “Brighton Iowa Chamber of Commerce” on Facebook for Brighton community event information.

Mineart named 'Volunteer of the Summer'

Volunteers make things happen and the Brighton Chamber would like to recognize Henry Mineart as the Chamber Volunteer of the Summer! Henry and his hard working crew made it possible for the Brighton Chamber to sponsor two mud runs in Brighton - one during Whoopee Days and the fall mud run in August. Henry does a great job heading up the mud run and we appreciate all the time and hard work he dedicates to the event. When you see Henry tell him "Thanks!"

The Brighton Chamber will periodically recognize volunteers who help make Brighton a great place to live. Stay tuned.

Whoopee Days 2012 in the news

BRIGHTON - The Brighton Whoopee Days was in the news this week. Check out the story in the Washington Evening Journal on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. Or click link to read the story by Dave Hotle.